January 28 – February 1, 2027

Sarah & Alex

Three Days, One Beautiful Place

Casa de Campo · La Romana, Dominican Republic

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We would be honored if you joined us for our wedding celebration. Life has taken us to many places, and our loved ones are scattered just as far. We chose this destination to bring everyone together in one beautiful setting — a chance to reconnect, celebrate, and enjoy quality time together.

The Week

Three Days, One Beautiful Place

We've planned a relaxed few days so we can all be together — welcome cocktails at sunset, a friendly tournament on the courts, a night on the beach, and a celebration we'll never forget.

Thursday Evening

Welcome Cocktails

6:00 PM

Sunset drinks in Altos de Chavón

Friday Morning

Tennis Tournament

9:00 – 11:00 AM

Tennis, Pickleball, or do your own thing!

Friday Afternoon

Beach Hang

All afternoon

Minitas Beach — swim, lounge, repeat

Friday Evening

Welcome BBQ

5:30 – 8:30 PM

A beautiful Caribbean sunset on the beach, grilled food, and good company

Saturday

The Wedding

Ceremony & Reception

Genesis Gardens & La Casita

Sunday

Your Day

Beach, pool, or departure

One last morning in the sun

Thursday Evening, January 28th

Welcome Cocktails at Sunset

6:00 PM
Altos de Chavón

The week begins here — sunset cocktails in a recreated 16th-century Mediterranean village perched on a cliff above the Chavón River. Cobblestone lanes, terracotta roofs, bougainvillea everywhere. It feels like stepping into an Italian hilltop town, except the air is warm and the Caribbean is just below.

No agenda. Just arriving, settling in, and being together as the sun goes down.

Resort casual — think linen and sandals

Friday Morning

The Tennis Tournament

9:00 – 11:00 AM
Casa de Campo Racquet Center

Our friend Sara S. is hosting a friendly tournament at the largest racquet facility in the Caribbean — 13 tennis courts and 4 pickleball courts, all yours for the morning. We'll have both singles and doubles matches, and all levels are welcome. If you'd like to participate, let us know your level so we can organize the brackets.

Prefer to skip the tournament and just hit around? You're welcome to play on your own or book time with one of the resort's 25+ on-staff pros for a private lesson.

Not a racquet person? We can also coordinate groups for a round of golf on one of three Pete Dye courses, horseback riding through the countryside, kayaking, snorkeling, or skeet shooting at the resort's 245-acre shooting center. Just let us know and we'll set it up.

White outfits please — court-appropriate sneakers required
Prefer something else? Pickleball is available at the same location. We can also arrange golf, horseback riding, kayaking, snorkeling, or skeet shooting — solo or in groups. Let us know what sounds good.

Friday Evening

Welcome Beach BBQ

5:30 – 8:30 PM
Minitas Beach

The wedding weekend kicks off with a White Party on Minitas Beach — grilled food, tropical cocktails, and oceanfront views as the sun goes down. Leave the heels at home, wear all white, and come ready to celebrate.

Dress in all white, tropical elegance — breezy linens, light dresses, beach-chic style

Saturday

Ceremony

Ceremony time TBA
Genesis Gardens, Altos de Chavón

The ceremony will be held in Genesis Gardens, a lush intimate garden tucked within the Italian village of Altos de Chavón. The natural beauty of the setting does the work — expect tropical greenery, warm light, and quiet elegance.

Garden formal — light fabrics, warm evening ahead

Saturday Evening

Reception

La Casita, Marina de Casa de Campo

After the ceremony, we'll provide transportation to La Casita at the marina — a waterfront Spanish-inspired venue overlooking the Caribbean and the resort's yacht harbor. Dinner, dancing, and staying up too late with a sunset you won't forget.

Transportation will be provided from the ceremony at Genesis Gardens to the reception at La Casita. No need to arrange anything on your own.

What to Wear

Attire Guide

We want everyone to feel comfortable and look beautiful — this is the Caribbean, so let the setting guide you. Light fabrics, natural tones, and nothing too heavy.

Welcome Cocktails & BBQ

Resort casual. Linen, cotton, sandals — easy and breezy. Think sundresses, open collars, and nothing you'd be afraid to wear near sand.

Tennis & Pickleball

White outfits, please. Court-appropriate sneakers required.

Ceremony & Reception

Garden formal. Suits or cocktail dresses in light fabrics. The ceremony is in a garden, so consider wedges or block heels. The evening is warm — plan to dance.

When in doubt, err on the side of elegant and comfortable. You're on vacation.

Getting There

Travel & Stay

Everything you need to plan your trip. We've arranged group rates and can help coordinate travel — just reach out.

Casa de Campo

Casa de Campo is a 7,000-acre private resort on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. It's ranked by Forbes as the largest and wealthiest resort community in the world — and somehow still manages to feel intimate and unhurried.

The grounds are extraordinary: a recreated 16th-century Mediterranean village, three legendary Pete Dye golf courses along coastal cliffs, a 370-slip marina, an equestrian center, a Forbes Four-Star spa, pristine private beach, and eight restaurants. You navigate it all by golf cart.

It's the kind of place where you immediately slow down. The service is gracious, the beauty is real, and there's something for everyone — from the most adventurous to the most contented lounger.

Room Block

We've reserved a block of rooms at a group rate. Options range from garden-view rooms to ocean suites, all with mahogany furnishings and private balconies.

All guests must stay on the resort — Casa de Campo is a gated private community with strict security, and outside visitors cannot access the property or attend events. It's also why we love it — everything you need is right here.

There is a 3-night minimum stay, but you choose which nights. Villas are also available for families or groups who want extra space. Mention "Sarah & Alex Wedding" when booking directly, or use the link in your invitation.

Booking deadline TBA — we'll share the group rate link and cutoff date soon.

Getting There

Fly into Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) — about 45 minutes from Casa de Campo via the modern Autopista del Coral highway. Direct flights are available from most major US cities.

There are also direct flights to La Romana International Airport (LRM), which is only about 7 minutes from the resort. Fewer routes, but much closer.

We recommend arriving by Wednesday evening or Thursday morning to settle in before cocktails. Plan to depart Sunday or Monday — make a long weekend of it.

Transportation

Airport transfers will be arranged for guests. Share your flight details with us and we'll coordinate pickup from Punta Cana.

No rental car needed — every room comes with a golf cart, which is how everyone gets around the resort. All wedding events are on property, and transportation between ceremony and reception will be provided.

Security & Safety

Casa de Campo is a fully gated 7,000-acre property with 24/7 security, vehicle screening at entry points, and a dedicated team on patrol. The resort has hosted U.S. Presidents, international celebrities, and high-profile events for over four decades.

For context, the Dominican Republic carries the same U.S. State Department travel advisory level as France and the UK (Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution). As with any international travel, we recommend standard precautions and keeping an eye on your belongings.

We chose this resort in part because of its reputation and gated environment, and we feel great about it — but we encourage everyone to do their own research and make the decision that's right for them.

Documents

A valid passport is required. Ensure yours is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates (through at least July 2027).

No visa is required for US citizens for stays under 30 days. A tourist card ($10 USD) is typically included in your airfare.

Before you land, you'll need to complete the Dominican Republic E-Ticket — it generates a QR code required for entry and exit: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do/

Questions?

We're happy to help with travel planning, room recommendations, or anything else. Reach out anytime.

Email us at alexandsarah@thilen.com

What to Pack

Your Week's Wardrobe

Think resort, not formal. Light fabrics, natural tones, and comfort over everything. Here's a guide to help you pack.

Welcome Cocktails & BBQ

  • Linen shirt or breezy sundress
  • Sandals (cobblestone-friendly for Altos de Chavón)
  • Light layer for the evening breeze
  • All-White Beach Chic, sandals, heels will be tough on the sand

Tennis / Pickleball

  • White outfits — it's the dress code
  • Court-appropriate sneakers (required)
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Bring your own racket if you have one
  • Rackets available at the resort if not

Ceremony & Reception

  • Garden formal — suit or cocktail dress
  • Light fabrics — it's the Caribbean in January
  • Block heels or wedges for grass
  • Dancing shoes for later

Essentials

  • Swimsuit (pool + beach days)
  • SPF 50 — the Caribbean sun is real
  • Light cover-up or resort kaftan
  • Good sunglasses

For photos, these tones photograph beautifully in our setting:

Sand
Warm neutrals
Sage
Soft blue
Terracotta

January Weather in La Romana

January is the Caribbean at its finest — warm, sun-drenched days in the low 80s°F, balmy evenings in the low 70s°F, and the least rainfall of the entire year. The ocean is a blissful 80°F. It is, quite simply, perfect weather for a celebration.

While You're Here

Make It a Vacation

You're flying to the Dominican Republic — make the most of it. Come early, stay late, or just enjoy the resort. Here's what's at Casa de Campo.

Spa & Wellness

Forbes Four-Star spa with ocean-view treatment rooms. Book ahead — mornings fill fast.

Golf

Three Pete Dye courses including Teeth of the Dog — ranked #1 in the Caribbean, with seven holes along the ocean.

Minitas Beach

Private beach, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sunset catamaran cruises.

Horseback Riding

Guided trail rides through working cattle ranches, past lakes and sugar cane fields. Polo matches and lessons also available.

Shooting Center

245 acres of trap, skeet, and sporting clays with over 200 stations. Guns and ear protection provided.

Altos de Chavón

The Italian village on-property — art galleries, artisan workshops, a Grecian amphitheater, and restaurants overlooking the river.

Dining

Eight on-site restaurants — from Spanish tapas at La Casita to beachfront seafood at Minitas. Italian dining in the village at La Piazzetta.

Excursions

Catalina Island by catamaran, cave tours, cigar factory visits, buggy rides through the countryside, and day trips to Santo Domingo.

Nightlife

Live music at La Caña and The Beach Club, cocktails at sunset, and late-night dancing at Genesis Nightclub in Altos de Chavón.

Questions

Good to Know

The answers to things you're probably wondering. If something isn't covered here, just reach out.

  • RSVP by October 1, 2026 — an RSVP link with additional details to help us coordinate a hassle-free experience will be sent separately
  • Hotel booking by October 1, 2026 — to secure the group rate at Casa de Campo
  • Flight details to us by December 1, 2026 — so we can arrange airport transfers

Yes. A valid passport is required and must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates (through at least July 2027). No visa is needed for US citizens. Instead, travelers must complete an online Electronic Ticket (eTicket) before arrival, which generates a QR code for entry and exit. We'll share the link and instructions closer to the date.

You have two options: Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), which is about a 45-minute drive to Casa de Campo on a modern highway, or La Romana International Airport (LRM), which is only about 7 minutes from the resort. PUJ has more direct flights from major US cities; LRM has fewer routes but is much closer. Either works — just let us know your plans so we can arrange transfers.

We recommend arriving by Wednesday evening or Thursday morning so you're settled in before welcome cocktails Thursday at 6 PM. Plan to depart Sunday or Monday — stay the extra day if you can! There's a 3-night minimum stay required by the resort, but you decide which nights. Want to come early and explore? Stay late and recover? Both? It's your call.

Yes — we'll arrange group transfers from Punta Cana airport. Just send us your flight details and we'll coordinate pickup. All wedding events are on the resort property, so no additional transportation is needed during the week.

We have a room block at a group rate. Mention "Sarah & Alex Wedding" when booking directly with Casa de Campo, or use the booking link in your invitation. Please note that all guests must stay on the resort — Casa de Campo is a gated community with strict security protocols, and outside visitors cannot access the property or wedding events. There is a 3-night minimum stay, but you choose which nights work best for you — arrive earlier, stay later, or both. It's a vacation, so make it yours. Book by October 1, 2026 to secure the group rate.

We chose Casa de Campo for a few reasons:

  • The many activities for all to enjoy
  • The proximity to the airport & direct flights
  • Having all of our loved ones in one place allows for many moments for us to spend quality time with you

This is compared to, say, having everyone fly into NY or Miami and staying at different hotels and commuting 30+ minutes in traffic to anything we plan. Our goal is to make this as hassle-free as possible!

  • Welcome cocktails: Resort casual — linen, sandals, easy and breezy
  • Tennis/pickleball: White outfits, court-appropriate sneakers
  • Beach BBQ: All white — it's a White Party
  • Ceremony & reception: Garden formal — suits or cocktail dresses, light fabrics, wedges or block heels for grass

Not at all. Thursday cocktails, Friday's White Party BBQ, and Saturday's ceremony and reception are the main events. The tennis tournament and other activities are completely optional — this is your vacation too.

Plenty! We can coordinate groups for golf, horseback riding, kayaking, snorkeling, or skeet shooting. Or you can book spa time, sleep in, or head to the beach. Just let us know your preference in the RSVP.

Casa de Campo is a fully gated 7,000-acre property with 24/7 security and vehicle screening. The Dominican Republic carries the same US State Department travel advisory as France and the UK. We chose this resort in part for its reputation and gated environment — but we encourage everyone to do their own research and make the decision that's right for them.

January is the dry season — expect warm sunny days in the low 80s°F, evenings in the low 70s°F, and very little rain. The ocean is about 80°F. Pack sunscreen.

Yes — kids are welcome at the resort and at all events except the ceremony. Please do not bring children of any age to the ceremony. For the ceremony, Casa de Campo offers a kids' program — full transparency, we've never used it ourselves, so please do your own research to decide if it's a good fit.

If you're extending your stay into a longer vacation, feel free to bring parents, nannies, or other help to watch the kids during wedding events. The resort is very family-friendly outside of the ceremony itself.

Your presence is the greatest gift — truly. We know traveling for a destination wedding is a big commitment, and the fact that you're making the trip means the world to us. There is no registry. Please don't bring gifts — just yourselves.

Nope! Every room comes with a golf cart, which is how you get around the resort. It's the main mode of transportation at Casa de Campo — from your room to the pool, the restaurants, the beach, and all wedding events. No car rental necessary.

Email us anytime at alexandsarah@thilen.com — we're happy to help with travel, rooms, activities, or anything else.

Our Story

How We Got Here

It was 2017, and Sarah had just moved to New York — into a Stone Street apartment with six roommates, two oversized bags, and a cat. Alex opened the door for her. She thought he was nerdy and cute. He was slightly annoyed she had a cat, because he's allergic.

Love prevailed anyway. Within three weeks they were dating — despite the cat — but kept it a secret from the other roommates for at least a month. How secret it actually was remains debatable.

After 2 years or so together they added their second child, Wally, to the family. Then during Covid they moved full time to Puerto Rico and grew to love island. Alex proposed to Sarah on the beach where they walk Wally, which is also Sarah's favorite spot. Now they're bringing everyone they love to the Caribbean to celebrate.

Sarah and Alex at the Met Opera